I am Ikegami Maya. I am seventeen years old. I am
an assassin. I was taught and trained to be a cold-hearted killer since I
can remember.

Two years ago, as I was walking home, I ran across a guy. He was
bleeding. Since I was the only one around, I decided to help. A chance to do
something good, I told myself. After that, we became friends.

He�s two years my senior, and his name is Yukihiro Rei. He has a very
beautiful smile, kind blue eyes and his hair is red. I�ve never been happier
since then. And I was on a vacation then, for there are no missions. I
usually got bored before, but when I�m with him, I forgot what I really am.
I couldn�t wish for more.
But the mission came. I was to kill a politician. I was about to leave when
Hiromi asked me where I was going. I told her I�m going to say goodbye to
someone.

As I was approaching his apartment, I felt that it was the end of my
life. I can�t and I don�t deserve to be with him.

I�m an assassin! A cold-blooded murderer!!

These words kept echoing in my mind.

I was just about to knock on his door when I felt I don�t have the
strength to see him. I turned my back and was going away when the door
opened.

�You�re leaving.�

�I came here to say good bye�

�Why? Don�t you want to be with me? Don�t you like me?�

I sighed. He grew quiet. I turned around and saw his eyes full of pain.

�Before you came, I was about to look for you, but I don�t know where
you lived. I was about to say goodbye to you too.�

He laughed, but his laughter was dry.

�Before you go, why don�t we have a goodbye party to each other?�

And he opened his door widely, motioning me to come in. I went in, and
he closed the door.

�Sumimasen.�
�I�m sorry too. Sorry to have said such horrible things to you.�

As a silent battle was happening inside me, wondering if I had to tell
him all about me, he spoke.

�I�ve never been happier all my life. It�s because you�re here with me.
But you know, I don�t deserve to be happy. Not one bit. After all those
things I did.�

I looked at him, puzzled. He quickly mustered his courage and began to
tell me everything about himself.

�I am an assassin. I am licensed to kill. I kill people for money. I
don�t know what will become of me tomorrow, but I want to be with you for
the last time.�

And after that, he embraced me. I hugged him back, and I don�t know for
how long. He was the one who broke the embrace. We ate and drank, like
there will be no tomorrow. When I looked at the time, I knew I had to
leave. I had to do my mission. He looked at the time too.

�I had to go, Rei.�

�I know. I had to go too.�

We left his apartment together. We were about to part ways when he
held me back.

�Wait, I��

I looked at him, and he smiled. He was suddenly behind me, and I didn�t
realize he was right in front of me again until he spoke.

�Please wear that. May it always keep you safe.�

I felt my neck and fingered a necklace with a cross for a pendant. I
turned the cross around and saw his name carved in it.

Rei

I looked at him and he smiled sheepishly. I don�t know what came over
me, but I found myself giving him a kiss on his cheek.

�Thank you. I will never forget you and what you�ve done for me.�

I smiled at him. He was stunned at first, then blushed furiously.

And then, I left him.

I went back to our hideout, and I saw that Hiromi was waiting for me.
She was about to scold me but I quickly went to gather my things up and
prepared myself for my mission. After that, I went away to the place.

The place is abandoned when I got there, but when I heard sounds coming
my way, I quickly hid myself. I saw the target, and with him are a couple
of bodyguards. Then, they went inside the building.

I began neutralizing the guards as quietly as I can. Nobody seems to
have noticed what I was up to. Until there are no more bodyguards left
outside.

I went inside, my weapons concealed inside my trench coat. I began to
knock the guards down, again, but this time, I wasn�t as lucky as I was
then.

�An intruder!!�

And they began to shoot me down. That left me no choice but to shed
blood. I eradicated them, one by one.

The target seemed to have sensed something is going on. He quickly
tried to escape, and with him are four of his bodyguards- the four lucky
ones who were lucky enough to get away from me. But not for long. I was
successful at killing his three bodyguards one by one.

One more to go, and he�s dead.

I saw his last bodyguard and killed him.

�Say your prayers, scumbag!�

I was to strike him dead with my katana when someone hurled arrows
aimed at my heart. I quickly dodge, and was lucky enough just to have a
cut on my left shoulder.

�You won�t kill me that easily. I�ve been up for business since you�re
in your diapers!�, the scumbag taunted.

A shadow advanced near him.

�Are you hurt, Mr. Kuruda?�

That voice! I knew that voice!

�Finish that filthy thing, Yukihiro.�

And that�s when it hit me. He bowed as my target left, sneering. Then
he faced me. I knew it wasn�t that dark so he saw my face. I knew he
was surprised as I was.

�Maya��

�I wasn�t here for you, Rei. I have to finish my mission. Let me pass. �

He smiled, but this time, his smile didn�t reach his eyes.

�I know I owe you my life, but I had my job too. I had to protect him
with my life. You will have to fight me before you get him.�

That�s when I knew I had no choice. We fought, and I knew it was
really hard for him to hurt me, but he has no choice. We had no choice but
to kill each other. I managed to disarm him of his weapon.

�Forgive me. I really have to do this.�, I said, hitting him at the
back of his head. He slumped and lost consciousness. I left him and
quickly set out to look for my target, and spotted him talking to his back-
up guards. I hastily put out of sight.

Damn! More dogs to guard their master!

Then my target went inside his car and left the place. I quickly ran to
the back of the building and powered my motorcycle to life. I quickly gave
chase, and I was gaining on him when another motorcycle tracked me. I
recognized my pursuer.

He just wouldn�t give up.

We were approaching the country, and I saw that it was in my advantage.
I got hold of my gun, and shot the tire.

BANG!

The wheel of the car exploded. The driver and the target had no choice
but to flee on foot. I lunged my motorcycle right for Mr. Kuruda, to finish
him off, but Rei blocked me.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

The next thing I knew, he was lying on the road, motionless and
bleeding. I turned to the direction of the gunshots and saw my target, a
gun on his hand. He was cursing.

�Stupid Yukihiro! He shouldn�t have done that! I should�ve killed that
thing by now!�

I saw red. I don�t know what happened next, but when I found myself, I
killed him. I hurriedly went to Rei�s side, nudging him awake.

�Rei, talk to me, please!�

He slowly opened his eyes.

�Are you all right, Maya? You�re bleeding.�, his eyes on my left
shoulder.

�Don�t mind it. I�m going to take you to a hospital.�

I tried to help him up but found it impossible.

�No, don�t. I wouldn�t last that long anyway.�

�Don�t say that!�

�I�m just telling the truth.�

I don�t want to believe him, but he�s right. He�s losing so much blood
I was having trouble trying to stop it.

�Why? Why did you do it?�

�Do what?�, he asked.

�Why do you have to save my life?�

�I knew I had to do it. I want you to be safe. I�m sorry if I hurt you,
and now you�re bleeding.�

Tears started to fall. I felt my face. They were wet with my tears.

�I told you it�s nothing. You don�t have to worry about it.�, I said
softly.

He smiled, and I smiled back at him.

�I�m afraid I won�t see that smile of yours again.�, he said softly.

He touched my face and tried to dry my tears, but all he did was put
blood on it. I held his hand, and then kissed it.

�Look. I�m wearing the necklace. Thank you, Rei.�

He smiled. Then his smile faded, and he closed his eyes.

He�s dead. Gone forever. And I�ll never see his smile again.

I told Hiromi I wouldn�t last in Nagasaki for long. I knew she would
understand. Luckily, we were reassigned. I left Nagasaki for Tokyo.

I changed my name, so I won�t forget the one who saved my life.

I am Ikegami Rei. The red-head who�ll kill just to see her loved ones
smile once again.

Part One: The Present

A few nights ago, after I finished my mission, I was jumping from one
rooftop to the other, anxious to get home, when I heard noises. I decided
to go and investigate. It was then that I saw a guy. He seems to be in
trouble. I quickly hid myself, ready to help when the need arises. He
seemed capable of defending himself. He had a bugnuk on, I noticed.

Then, it hit me.

He�s an assassin!

He quickly disposed of his opponents. Then, a moment later, three more
guys showed up. Since I was used to the shadows, I can easily study their
profiles. I started looking at the one I saw earlier. He looks like an
athlete, the other looks so innocent. I began to study the two taller guys.
The one in the trenchcoat looks very serious. And when I looked at the last
one, I told myself he�s an odd-kind-of-guy. He�s wearing dark glasses in
the night. The guy in the trenchcoat seems uneasy, and I know that he
senses me. I quickly went away.

*****

I was on my way to school when I ran across a flower shop, full of
giggling girls my age. I went past it, thinking that if I don�t hurry, I�ll
be late for school. I tried to get away from the place when I bumped into
someone. My things flew in other directions , luckily caught my laptop
before it crashes down on the hard pavement.

�Sumimasen!�, I cried, then began to gather my things.

I knew all eyes were on me, but I don�t care. Hiromi will have a fit if
I don�t show up on school on time. I�d probably had my ass kicked if I
don�t move faster. As I was picking up the last of my things, a hand beat
me to it.

�Here, let me give you a hand.�

I looked up and saw a pair of sparkling green eyes, looking at me
gently.

It�s him! It�s the guy I saw the other night!

I quickly mumbled a faint thank you, then hurriedly gather up my
things. Then I ran away.

�Matte!! You forgot something!�, he yelled, but I was too far to go

back, and honestly, I don�t care.

I have no plans of running at them again.

*****

Fate, apparently, did not approve of how I was used to handling things
my own way. It must be her own doing why I kept crossing paths with the
guys.

I was walking home, deep in thought that I didn�t realize that I was
walking towards the direction of the flower shop. I just realized that I
was in front of it when I saw the sign.

Koneko no Sumu Ie

A florist came out, tidying things up. When he saw me, he smiled, then
stuck his head inside the door and yelled.

�Ken-kun! Come here, quick!�

�What�s the matter, Omi?�, a blonde guy asked.

�Oh, Yohji-kun! I wasn�t asking for you!�, the guy called Omi said,
exasperated.

The one called Yohji saw me, and he quickly approached me. The others
just looked on.

�Hi there! Is there anything I can do for you?�, he asked in a suave
voice that would usually make girls swoon, but not me.

�No thanks..�, I said coldly. I was starting to walk away again when
Omi spoke.

�I remember now! Ken-kun bumped into you this morning!�

It made me stop dead on my tracks. A red-head stared at me, and I
returned his cold gaze. Then, the owner of those beautiful green eyes
offered me his apologies.

�Sumimasen for the incident this morning.�

I ignored him.

�Let me pass. You�re in my way.�

But he didn�t take offense in my cold reply. Instead, he said, �Please
do come in, and have a cup of tea. I�ll be back shortly to get your book.�

I looked at him, and saw in his eyes the sincerity. They ushered me
inside, though I am a little reluctant on waiting for someone.

�Please hurry, Ken-kun! It�s not nice to keep people waiting!�, Omi
said, handing me a cup of tea.

�What is your name?�, the guy called Yohji asked me.

I ignored him completely. The boy called Omi made the introductions.

�I�m Omi. The quiet one is Aya-kun.�

�The clumsy one who bumped into you this morning is Ken, and the most
handsome, that�s me---�, the blonde guy butted in, and was about to say his
name when Omi cuts back in.

�He�s Yohji-kun�

Yohji grimaced, and was about to chastise Omi but he changed his mind
when he caught me watching him.

�What is your name?�, Omi asked gently.

I sipped from the teacup before I spoke, and found the tea remarkably
delicious.

�Rei�

From the corner of my eye, the guy called Aya was tending some of the
flowers. But I knew better. I knew he was studying me.

Great. Why do they have to scrutinize me like I an alien or I have a
disease or something? Now I know how a fish feels when humans stared at
them in their aquariums.

Ken returned, and handed me a book.

�I presumed that book is yours�, he said, smiling sheepishly.

He looked cute when he smiles that way.

That�s what I thought, but never voiced it loud. I looked at the book
in my hand and saw Hiromi�s name on it.

How on earth did Hiromi�s book mingled with my things? Oh, I remember
now. She asked me to bring it, probably for night-reading.

I quickly prepared myself to leave. I stood and thanked Ken.

�Won�t you finish your tea first before you leave?�, Omi asked politely.

�I have to go. I have many things to do.�, I said, turning my back on
them.

But before I left the store, I brought myself to say these words: �The
tea is terrific. I hope I could have one with you again. See you.�

I left the store, feeling much better than before. I�ve never felt
this way for two long years.

Part Two: The Awakening

A week passed, and it�s Hiromi�s birthday. Our friends cooked a party
for her, and they want me to buy her flowers.

�Buy her a dozen of peach-colored roses! She really loves those!�,
Ayami told me.

I just kept quiet and pretended I heard nothing. She kept on bugging me
until I gave her my �Shut Up or You�ll be Sorry Look�. That�s when she quit
pestering me.

She sighed and said, �Oh, for the last time. Give her anything, Rei.�

I went out of Sweet Caf� (our coffee shop), dazed.

How long was it? Ah, it�s two years ago since I did something good for
a person.

And now I found myself, clutching the necklace that hung on my neck and
walking towards the direction of the flower shop.

When I got there, it was crowded with screaming girls, all were
OBVIOUSLY trying to get the four bishounen�s attention. Omi and Ken looked
harassed by girls, and Yohji seems to enjoy the situation. Aya, however,
kept telling the girls that if they won�t buy, they�ll have to leave, much
to Yohji�s annoyance. I begin to think that he and I had a lot of
similarities when it comes to personality.

At first, I was a little amused at the scene. But as I stand there,
watching, I felt I�m beginning to get irritated at every passing second.
The girls� high-pitched voices and giggling makes me want to kill them
all. I couldn�t stand it any longer. The faster I get those roses, the
sooner I�ll leave the accursed place, the better.

�Excuse me.�

People�s heads turned, and they saw me. They began whispering to one
another, probably wondering who the hell am I and from where I was. Ken
approached me.

�What can we do for you?�, Ken asked solicitously.

�A dozen of those peach-colored roses will do.�

Omi went to entertain the other customers, and Ken attended to the
roses I ordered. He was still busy preparing the roses when Yohji asked me.

�How old are you, Rei?�

�Why do you want to know?�, I asked back through gritted teeth.

�I was about to ask you for a date, and I don�t want to be accused of
being a pedophile or something, you know.�

My eyebrows arched. Ken snorted. Ken then handed me the flowers, and I
paid for them. I was leaving the place when I heard my name called. I
looked around and found Ayami, panting.

�Oh good! You bought her flowers!�, she gushed, then she noticed Yohji.

�Yohji-kun! How are you? Hi, Ken-kun!�, she said, waving at Ken. Ken
waved back.

�I�m fine!�, Yohji answered.

�Can you go out with me tonight? We were going to have a party, and I

thought you guys should be there.�, Ayami invited.

I�m getting real mad.

�Oh, I don�t go out with minors. Go ask Omi.�
Ken approached us and listened to the conversation.

�Well, there will be many beautiful ladies going to our party,
especially the birthday girl. Anyway, I really think you guys ought to be
there!�, Ayami said.

�Count me in! But first, tell me, how old is Rei?�

�She�s seventeen.�

Yohji looked at me and asked, �Is she telling the truth that you�re
only seventeen?�

�Are you insulting me?�

I gave him an �I�m Getting Pissed and I�m going to Kill you� Look.

Yohji became panicky. Ken whispered to him, �Does she remind you of
someone we know?�

And they turned their head towards Aya�s direction. Then they nodded. I
quickly ignored them and went away, fuming with anger.

*****

We held the party in the coffee shop (where I and Hiromi were owners).
Because of Hiromi�s insistence, we closed for the day, just to celebrate
her birthday.

�Is the cake ready?�

The people fussed about this and that. I can�t stand it. I went outside
to calm myself before I go berserk.

�Rei!�

I looked behind me and saw Ken. He approached me and asked, �Where are
you going?�

I kept silent and continued walking.

�You couldn�t stand the pressure inside, I think.�

I looked at him, and he laughed.

�I know. I saw you a while ago. I thought you were going to explode in
there. And I knew it would be a big disaster.�

I wanted to give him a smile, but I had a reputation to protect. I kept
a solemn fa�ade. He, however, doesn�t seem to mind. He just walked with
me. I couldn�t stand it a little longer. I stopped walking. He stopped too.

�What do you want of me?�

He smiled, his eyes sparkling.

�I wanted to see you smile.�

I kept quiet, then went on. I wanted to leave him, I wanted to shout at
him, to tell him that the very person, the only reason for me to smile, was
dead.

I glanced at my watch and saw that�s its getting late, so we head back
to the coffee shop.

*****

When we got there, Ayami quickly approached us.

�Where have you been? Oh never mind! As long as you keep Ken and the
others company, we�ll be doing just fine.�

Then she left. The way she�s acting lately makes me want to gag her,
tie her up and threw her into the ocean.

�Calm down, Rei.�

I looked at the direction of the voice and saw Yohji, Omi and Aya
approaching us.

�Where is the birthday girl?�, Yohji asked excitedly.

I turned my head and looked at the pale blonde lady, who stands at
about 5 feet and eight inches. Yohji followed my gaze and went to approach
the lady. The four of us sweatdropped, embarrassed at the way Yohji is
acting.

�This is a neat place. Who owns this place?�, Omi asked.

�Oh, this is Hiromi�s place. Rei works here too.�, Ayami answered
suddenly. She left quickly, tending to the other guests.

The people working for the coffee shop didn�t know that I am the
co-owner.

�How much do you earn here?�, Aya asked suddenly.

�Not much. Just enough to tie the tide.�, I answered back.

�Oh.�

Ken cuts in. �Enough with the figures. We can always talk about that
but for now, why don�t we try to loosen up?�

Omi brightens. �Yeah, Ken-kun!�

And the two hurriedly went to a couple of vacant tables and sat down.
Aya and I followed them. After all, it is my job to keep them company. Then
I saw Yohji slowly approaching us. Omi quickly saw Yohji�s downcast face.

�What�s the matter, Yohji-kun?�, Omi asked curiously.

�Probably turned down again.�, Ken said, with the emphasis on the last
word.

�Shut up.�

The two were about to exchange hot and angry words when Aya butted in.

�Enough!�

The two stopped bickering at once.

�That was quite effective, Aya-kun. How did you manage to pacify those
two? I do hope you can teach me that.�, Hiromi said.

I was surprised to hear Hiromi�s voice that I gave her a baffled look.

�Don�t look at me like that, Rei. After all, it is my birthday. And
don�t worry, I don�t have any plans on using that on you!�, and she laughed
while walking away from us.

The three guys laughed.

�Quit it.�, Aya said.

The three stopped laughing.

�Thanks.�, I murmured.

Aya nodded.

And the party went well. We were all having a great time. Yohji, Ken
and Omi were having the time of their life. But I was just contented
looking at them having fun. I could see myself, two years ago�

�Rei.�

I looked at Aya.

�What?�

�Nothing.�

I don�t know what happened, but some scenes were entering my mind. It
was like I�m watching a movie or something, but I felt that this is very
REAL. Maybe I�m beginning to get crazy or just a little paranoid or
something, but it keeps on rolling. Pictures and faces. Then, I recognized
who are involved in the scenes.

In it was the guy who sat next to me, with flaming red hair and blue
eyes, just like me. He was calling a girl, a girl named Aya. And Aya was
calling him too. RAN. That�s what she called him. Then, I saw things that
were far too horrible. And his memories flooded my memory banks that I feel
horrified and dizzy. I didn�t realize I was in a trance until I felt a pair
of strong hands shaking me.

�Rei!�

It was then that I saw Aya. He was about to slap me when I stopped his
hand.

�I�m okay. Arigato.�

I stood, excused myself, and went to the ladies� room.

What the hell is happening to me?

******

A week has passed, and I still couldn�t shake the feeling away. The
feeling, the power. The feeling that I could mess with other people�s
minds, see their joy, witness their pain and feel their burning hatred.

�Hey!�

I jolted.

�Huh?�

It was then that I was forced back to reality. I momentarily forgot I
was working in the counter.

�Rei, I think you better go home. It seems to me that you�re not
feeling well. You look pale.�

�I�m all right, Hiromi. I just lack sleep. I think I�m insomniac�

Hiromi smirked, then said, �Yeah, right. Tell that to Ayami, she might
buy that. You can�t fool me. Go home. Get some rest.�

I reluctantly took off my apron, and told her that I�m going for a
walk, maybe fresh air would do me a bit good. She seemed eager to see me
off, asleep in my apartment or taking a rest. She gave me the day off.

I thought this blessing or curse or whatsoever was gone a long time
ago.

I was busy walking in the park, mulling things over, when someone
shouted, �Miss, look out for that ball!!!�

Luckily, my reflexes were fast enough I was able to avoid the ball, and
kick it back with equal force. I was trying to regain some composure when I
saw a guy approaching.

�Rei?�

�Ken-�

He quickly apologized.

�I�m sorry about the ball.�

�Don�t mind it. I wasn�t hurt anyway.�

He smiled weakly.

�No trouble at all so don�t be too hard on yourself.�, I assured him.

He relaxed.

�You were great! I mean, at kicking the ball-�

I felt slightly embarrassed. Suddenly, my foot swayed. I felt a little
dizzy that if it isn�t for Ken, I would�ve fallen.

�Hey, are you all right, Rei? You really look a little pale.�

I tried to answer him but the vast darkness surrounded me.

Part Three: Voices

< Rei, wake up. Open your eyes and look at me. >

No. I�m perfectly all right in here. Thanks anyway.

< No. You don�t understand. You have to open your eyes NOW. >

I slowly opened my eyes. And then I saw him. That flashing red hair,
kind blue eyes, and the smile that can melt even the ice princess� heart.

Rei?

I couldn�t believe it. He�s here, alive! But he was supposed to be
dead. I caused it. And I couldn�t control myself anymore. I tried to reach
him, but he held back. He smiled. I feel nostalgic whenever I saw his
disarming smile. How I wish he�s still here. Unable to stand the distance,
I ran toward him and embraced him.

< Enjoying my little show? >

I looked at him and was shocked to see his face changing into someone
else�s. His hair, which was red and short, became orange and long. I stared
at his face. And then, when he saw my dazed look, he laughed. Maniacal
laughter filled my ears. Blood all over my body rushed to my head in
anger. That seems to pull me back to reality, gave me back my sanity.

Who the hell are you??

He smirked. And then, the light began to fill my head.

you head. I won�t finish you, I wouldn�t have a nice toy to play with if I
finish you off now.>

And I felt his presence left.

I jolted out of bed and found four faces watching at me, concern
mirrored in their eyes.

�Finally, you�re awake, Rei!�, Omi said.

I felt myself, and found out I�m lying in a soft bed.

�Where am I?�

�You�re in Ken�s room.�, Aya answered.

�I thought you�re just imitating the sleeping beauty and that you need
a prince�s kiss to wake up. I was about to give you that kiss if it isn�t
for Ken-- *Mmmppfff*

Ken covered Yohji�s mouth, the former blushing profusely.

I ignored Yohji�s comment, and asked Aya.

�You�ve been asleep for three days.�, Aya remarked.

�Oh.�

�And we were so worried. Ken-kun here is getting nervous.�, Omi said
mischievously. Ken turned redder, and I felt my cheeks burn. Yohji and Omi
looked at each other. Then, they looked at Ken, who was red as an apple,
then returned their gaze at me. They smiled.

Oh great. They�re teasing me.

Silence was so thick you could carve your name on it. Omi, unable to
stand it, broke the silence.

�You were so pale, and very feverish. Then��

�Then WHAT?�

Yohji and Ken looked at the floor, and Aya just shook his head when I
looked at them. I gazed back at Omi.

�What was it?�, I demanded.

�Well, you see, we were wondering if you are calling yourself or are
you calling another person who has the same name as you were?.�, Omi asked,
a little puzzled.

I didn�t realize that my facial expression changed. And then I said
nothing.

�You know what, Omi, you should learn how to keep your mouth shut
sometimes.�, Yohji chastised.

�Sumimasen Rei-chan.�, Omi said.

�Arigato for taking care of me.�, I said, getting out of bed.

�Wait, Rei-chan! You should take it easy!�, Omi cried.

It seems like he�s right. I felt that my world spin, again.

�Whoa.�, Yohji said, catching me before I fall.

�Thanks, Yohji-kun.�, I said.

They assisted me, and helped me get settled in Ken�s bed. Then Omi, Ken
and Yohji left the room, telling us they�re going out to buy breakfast. Aya
and I were alone. I decided to tell him what really happened.

�Aya, there is something you should know.�

�What is it?�

�I think I knew your past. I think I knew your memories.�

�What do you mean?�, he asked sharply.

And I told him what I knew. When I�m through talking, I realized that
he was just looking at me, debating whether to believe me or not.

�You don�t believe me, don�t you?�

He just looked away.

�Okay. I understand. You want me to prove it to you?�

He looked surprised.

�What did I say?�, I asked, my eyebrows arched.

�How did you know what I was thinking?�

I ignored his question, and said out loud, �I think you three should
come in here. It�s not nice, eavesdropping on other people�s
conversations.�

The door opened, and the three guys entered, smiling sheepishly. Aya
looked alarmed.

�See?�

�Okay, I believe you.�, he grumbled.

�Uh, why don�t we have breakfast?�, Yohji offered to ease the tension
between me and Aya.

He passed the doughnuts around. I took a frosted one and began to work
on it. The four guys did the same.

�Coffee, Rei-chan?�, Omi asked solicitously.

�Can I have a hot chocolate instead?�, I asked politely.

Ken took the thermos bottle and prepared the drink, much to the three
guys� amusement.

�Here you go.�, he said, handing me the drink. I took it and thanked
him.

�Hmm� I think I smell something.�, Yohji teased.

Ken blushed.

�Why, Ken-kun! You�re blushing!!�. Omi exclaimed.

�Oohh� Ken-ken�s blushing! I wonder why?�, Yohji teased.

�Don�t call me KEN-KEN!!!�, Ken snapped.

Aya and I just ignored the three�s tirade, polishing off the doughnuts.
I decided to play a trick on the three and hid three doughnuts. By the time
Ken and Yohji stopped bickering (thanks to Omi�s effort), they were
dismayed to find the doughnuts gone.

�Oh, there�s nothing left.�, Omi said sadly. Yohji and Ken looked
sorry. I had an urge to laugh, but I stopped myself. I looked at Aya and I
think he shared the same sentiment as I have. I quickly shove the three
doughnuts I hid to them. The three were grateful, and finished their
doughnuts, while I was working on my chocolate drink.

After we finished breakfast, I asked Ken to help me go back to my
apartment. He gladly assisted me.

Part Four: Encounter with Schwartz When we reached my apartment, I thanked Ken for his help. I invited him to go inside, but he declined, saying he had to help open the flower shop. After checking if I�m feeling all right, he left. When I got to my room, I quickly showered and dressed. Then, I went to the city cemetery and looked somberly at the sepulcher. Yukihiro Rei I spent a few hours there, and I knew someone was watching. Hours passed and they were still watching me. I couldn�t stand it any longer. I left the cemetery and went to a vacant lot. �Would you guys just show up and stop watching me?!� A guy in a white business suit showed up in front of me. A guy with an eye patch showed up in my rear. A boy, a few years younger than me, showed up in my left. And the guy with orange hair showed up in my right. �You?!�, I said, anger detected in my voice. �There, there. I know you�re a little mad at me for messing up your head.� �Quit teasing her, Schuldig.�, the man in the business suit said. �You were such a pain, Brad.�, Schuldig said. �Can I kill her now?�, the guy with an eye patch asked, licking his knife. �No. It isn�t necessary, Farfarello.� �Who the hell are you guys?�, I demanded. But the guy called Brad ignored me. �What do you think, Nagi?�, he asked the youngest of them. �She has the powers that we have, Brad. She has the ability to fight and block her thoughts.� �So that explains why I can�t mess up her mind now. Interesting.�, Schuldich said. �I see.�, Brad said. He snapped his fingers, and I found myself surrounded by thugs. Great. They�re here to finish me off. �Let�s go�, the guy called Brad said, and the four of them left me. But their friends didn�t. Luckily, I had some shuriken stashed in my suit. Part Five: The Mission Briefing A week after I knocked the thugs out, PERMANENTLY, I have all the information I could gather about those four guys. Schwartz. Someday, I�m going to get you, even out the odds. I was walking home, the incident still fresh in my mind, when� *Beep* *Beep* *Beep* A mission call! I quickly ran towards the direction of our hideout, and found Hiromi waiting for me. I was about to ask her what the call was about when I found out she wasn�t alone. Beside her was a woman with a red hair in a really sexy outfit, and there was another, standing beside the computer. �Who are these people?� �I know you�ll ask, but let them tell you who they are and what their business is.�, Hiromi said, smiling. �I didn�t know you wouldn�t recognize me.�, the woman with red hair said. �Manx!� Manx smiled, and continued speaking. �My companion is Birman, a kritiker, like Hiromi. We were sent here for your cooperation.� I gave them a questioning look. �Well, you see, we were alarmed when we were informed that a group from Estet contacted you.�, Birman explained. �We know a lot from that group. That group is one of the most brutal killers, toying and torturing people is their hobby.�, Manx related. �You mean Schwartz?�, I blurted out. �So, it is true. Can we have the information?�, Birman asked. I handed the documents and the floppy disk to her. �Where did you get the information?�, I asked, but deep in the pit of my stomach, I knew I�ve been spied on. Birman and Manx looked at each other, and avoided my question. Darn. They really spied on me. �Okay. Is that all you wanted of me? �, I asked, ready to leave if there aren�t any mission stored for me. Birman, Manx and Hiromi smiled. �No. You�ve got a mission.�, Hiromi said, smiling. Finally, I�ve got something to do. �Give it to me and I�ll go.� �No, not here. You�re going with Weiss.� �What? How��, I asked, unbelieving. Manx and Birman�s smile widened. �You do know about Weiss, don�t you?�, Birman asked. �She only knew the missions they�ve accomplished, but I wouldn�t tell her who the members are.�, Hiromi said, laughing. I gave her my �Okay-laugh-at-me-again-and-you�ll-be-sorry� look. But it didn�t stop her from babbling her head off. �Why wouldn�t you tell her?�, Manx asked. �She�d kill them all if she did.�, Hiromi said suddenly, her face serious. �Why?�, Birman asked. �I don�t want someone to do my job. But that was before. I�ll let them live�, I assured them. Manx and Birman breathed and relaxed. Hiromi laughed. �But we didn�t know who you really are, Rei. We couldn�t see your files.�, Birman said. �I had them erased. Only a few knew my real identity.� �Wise move.�, Manx muttered. �Are we just going to talk here?�, I asked. Birman smiled. �We�ll go to their hideout.� ***** A few minutes later, I found myself standing outside a familiar building. �Why are we here?�, Hiromi asked. Manx and Birman only smiled. The door opened, and a figure came out. �Manx!!�, Yohji gasped. Hiromi and I were stunned. Birman and Manx�s smile widened. Yohji looks puzzled, but he opened the door widely and we all went in. �What are they doing here?�, he asked. Great. Don�t tell me he�s a Weiss member. I decided to have a little peek at his mind and my greatest fear was confirmed. He really is one of the Weiss. Darn. Manx and Birman led us to a den, (with Yohji behind us, pouting), where we found two figures sitting in a sofa and a third in front of a computer. �What are they doing here?�, Aya asked when he saw Hiromi and I. �I think you owe us an explanation.�, Yohji said. �She�s here to help you on your mission.�, Manx said. �Her?�, Yohji said, his tone a little higher. I really would love to hit his face. I gave him a cold stare. �We have here, a kritiker, like us. I think you already met agent Ikusawa Hiromi.�, Manx started. The four nodded. �She was covering the area of Nagasaki and the neighboring towns, until she was reassigned here, in Tokyo. Apparently, she was given special missions, one which do not require too many people.�, Birman explained. �What about her?�, Aya asked, pertaining to me. I glared at Aya, and he glowered at me too. �Don�t tell me you haven�t heard of our very first agent?� �Is she the first agent? I thought Omi was the first recruit?�, Ken asked. �Come to think of it, I thought so too.�, Omi said thoughtfully. �She�s been with us before Weiss was even formed, even before Omi was recruited.�, Manx explained. �I know you ran into her a couple of times, but to make a formal introduction�� �She�s Ikegami Rei, seventeen years old. Born on Nigatsu Futsuka. Her blood type is A, height is 162.56 cm and weight is 46.26 kilograms�, Yohji butted in. �Where did you get that information, Yohji-kun?�, Omi asked, eyes opened wide. �I got it from her classmate who has a tremendous crush on her!�, Yohji beamed. �Before I was rudely interrupted by Yohji, her codename is Fallen Angel�, Manx said, a hint of amusement in her voice. �Fallen Angel?�, Omi asked excitedly. �What are you so excited about?�, Yohji asked. �Well, Yohji-kun, Fallen Angel has done a lot of difficult missions before, much difficult than ours. But she was hurt that�s why she was reassigned, although I didn�t thought she�d be reassigned here.�, Omi explained to Yohji, in a tone of a teacher scolding a five-year-old. �We know who they are, but why are they here?� Ken asked impatiently. Manx played the tape to answer Ken�s question. �Weiss, you have to cooperate with Ikegami Rei, code name Fallen Angel. You have a mission and that mission is to put a stop to Kuruda Ishima�s demonic plans. He is using kids and teenagers as his business. He kidnaps them and sells them to maniacs and pedophiles across the globe. Weiss, hunt the future of this beast and put a stop to his evil deeds!� And the tape ended. �Why is she going with us?�. Yohji whined. �Kuruda�, I said, my voice full of venom. I�ll get you. Kuruda Ishima is the twin brother of the Kuruda I killed two years ago. Ken�s eyes darted to me, a little worried. �Ikimasu!�, Omi said. Part Six: The Abduction I quickly showered and dressed when I got out of bed the next day. Omi and I would be the bait, and the rest of the guys would wait. I went to the flower shop and found them waiting for me. Omi and Ken stood there, gawking, when they saw me. Yohji whistled. Aya looked formal, as usual. �My, how nice you look, Rei!�, Yohji remarked. I was wearing a sleeveless blouse and a miniskirt. I felt my cheeks burn. Ken and Omi found themselves, and they greeted me. Then, Omi approached me. �Ikimasu!� ***** We went to the mall, (posing as baits) watching the activities of the people while enjoying ourselves. To kill time, I decided to buy another outfit. When I emerged from the dressing room, Omi couldn�t tear his gaze away from me. �You look so pretty, Rei-chan!� I felt my face redden with embarrassment. We quickly paid for what we bought, then agreed to see each other again that night, in the targeted place. When we were leaving, I went inside Omi�s head. Omi. < Who are you? > It�s me, Rei. We�re being followed. No, don�t look. They thought we�re perfect for their next batch of customers. They were planning to abduct us later, when we see each other again. Apparently, they overheard our conversation. < I see. Shall we go and tell the guys to get ready? > Tell them to get ready on their positions. ***** We met again, but this time, we went to a club. Yohji, Ken and Aya went along, but they kept their distance. �Yohji seems to be having much fun than those two.�, I said, while Omi and I were dancing. Omi looked at Yohji, then laughed. �He really likes to be mobbed by women.�, he confessed. I felt my eyebrow arched. �I see.� We danced for an hour, then signaled the three that we�re going out. �DON�T MOVE!�, a man said, a gun aimed at us, just as Omi and I stepped outside. �Omi--� They hit us, and I pretended to be knocked unconscious. They bound me up, and they really bound me up tight that my hands and my feet hurt. Then I felt I was being carried inside a van or a trailer. They tossed me in and I heard them shut the door. I opened my eyes and whispered. �Omi, where are you?� �Here.�, he whispered back. When my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw that we aren�t alone. There were teenagers and kids around us. Some were too scared to scream, and the others just sob. I tried to calm the one nearest to me. I think Omi is trying to do the same. �What is your name?.�, I asked, talking to a little girl, aged 8 or 9. �Kamiya Karin.�, she said between sobs. �I�m Ikegami Rei. You can call me big sister if you like.�, I told her softly. The little girl stopped crying, and her clear, blue eyes looked at me. �You can trust me, Karin. I�ll try to help you get out of here.� �Promise?� I nodded, then added. �I never backed out on a promise.� Her face lit up, then tried to untie me. Her friends saw what she was doing, and they helped. They were untying Omi too. �Don�t try anything funny, or they�ll kill us. No exception. We saw how they killed one of our friends.�, a girl my age warned. I looked at Omi, then said nothing. The door suddenly opened, and we were temporarily blinded. �Come out, now! Don�t try anything stupid!�, a big man barked. Omi, Karin and I followed. The big man looked at me, then smiled maliciously. �Got a beautiful body there, lady.�, he said while the three of us walked past him. I have to calm myself, for the other kids� sake. Fortunately, I succeeded. We were ushered inside a big mansion in the heart of a forest, and were greeted by a bunch of guards lined up in the hallway. Omi, we�re going to have a little problem. Omi looked at me. He answered me back by thinking. He was having a hang of it, talking to me inside his head. I nodded, then told him, I�ll be the diversion. You get these kids out of here. I had a promise. No Buts, Omi. If anything happens, you can come back for me. I can take care of myself. I won�t die here. He looked at me, protest seen in his eyes. I gave him a cold stare, and he gave in. I knew he was worried, but I have to do something. The big man is pushing me, and he is telling us to hurry. I looked around, and saw we were fast approaching the last guard. I kicked the last guard on the hallway, then hit the big man. Then, I run out of the house, the guards following me. I neutralized them one by one, but when I was about to do the last guard, a man shot me with a tranquilizer gun. I tried to fight, but the tranquilizer was far too much. I lost consciousness. When I came around, I was tied up in a dungeon. I was chained, and my arms were the only one supporting my weight. My feet were clad in chains, big balls of iron on the ends of it. A man entered, and I realized it was our target. �Good. You�re finally awake. I could do the honor of giving you pain when you�re awake.� And he lashed my back with a whip. It hurts, and I tried not to wince. He smirked. He lashed me again, savoring the pain and anger he saw in my eyes. �That�s what happened to people who messes up with ME.�, he said. Blood was pooling underneath me. He seems to be enjoying seeing my blood, for he unsheathed his katana� �and slashed my back�twice. �Now, isn�t it good when you have an x mark on your back??�, he said, then laughed maniacally. He left. �Where are they?� I quietly asked myself when I found him gone. Then I drifted back to unconsciousness. Part Seven: The Act �Omi! Where is Rei?�, Ken asked after they helped the kids and the other teenagers got home. �We have to help her! She�s still there. She told me she�ll follow us.� They entered the mansion cautiously. They quietly watched and listened, alert should someone come to their hiding place. They quickly neutralized the surrounding guards, and began to move their way down to the dungeons. When they heard noises coming their way, they quickly hid themselves. �Be sure to keep an eye on that girl. If she�s dead, threw her body on the cliff.� The footsteps died away, and the four hurriedly began to look for Rei. They entered a room, and the four were shocked to see Rei�s forlorn form. �Damn! I�m going to get those guys!�, Yohji cursed as he carried Rei�s unconscious body. The four quickly went away from that place. ***** I began to see a light, but all were a blur. �Thank goodness the bleeding stopped.�, a worried voice said. A cool hand brushed my forehead and exclaimed, �Her fever is gone. She�s out of danger now.� Then, my sight began to clear. I tried to stand, but a hand stopped me. �Don�t move much, Rei.� I recognized the voice, and started to protest. �Ken, the mission---� Aya spoke, �The target escaped. Don�t worry, we still have time.� Part Eight: Mission Accomplished Three days passed, and we finally located Kuruda�s whereabouts. My wounds still hurt, but they aren�t bleeding anymore. I am still sore all over, but I insisted on coming. �I still can�t believe you have to go with us!�, Yohji hissed. �If you don�t keep your mouth shut, Yohji, I swear you�ll be dead in a second.�, I warned. Luckily, he did shut up. I�m having a hard time controlling myself, itching to spill Kuruda�s blood. We moved on, and found our target in an old basement. There were hundreds of steel cages, and they were full of teenagers, some of them younger than I and Omi. And Kuruda wasn�t alone. With him is- �No!�, I hissed. �What�s the matter, Rei?�, Ken whispered. �Shh!�, Yohji said. We listened to the conversation. �Yukihiro, do you have any news on the girl?�, Kuruda asked. The guy Kuruda called has red, long hair, great blue eyes, answered, �No. I still haven�t heard anything. She must be dead. But I can�t believe she bought our little play two years ago!� Then, the two laughed in unison. I managed to get a hold of myself before we got caught. Kuruda and Yukihiro left. �Was what that all about?�, Omi said when the two left the room. My face is red with anger, and I didn�t utter a word. �Free the kids, Aya and I will go after them.�, I said, then quickly chased the target and the guy called Yukihiro. �Matte!�, Ken cried, but I�ve already gone. I was too blind with anger I didn�t realize I�ve been followed. I found out that it was only Aya that was behind me. �You get the guy, I�ll get the target. This way!�, Aya ordered, and I followed his lead. �I�ll get my revenge.�, I muttered. We went to a room, and saw a scene far too horrible to describe. Two guys were kissing..!! �Yukihiro, die!!!!!!�, I screamed, my katana aimed right at his head, but he caught the blade of my katana. �Kuruda, Run!!!!�, he barked. Aya chased after him. Yukihiro and I were alone. It was just me and my past. Me and Yukihiro. �It�s about time we settle an old score, Yukihiro Rei.�, I said coldly. �Ikegami Maya, it�s nice to see you, although this isn�t what I had in mind.� �You lied to me. I shouldn�t have trusted you. �, I said, my voice full of venom. �Not all of them are lies. I did wanted to have a normal life with you but I�� �I don�t want to hear any of your lies anymore. Fight!�, I said, tossing a sword at his feet. �I don�t want to fight.� �Then I�ll just have to kill you defenseless.� He reluctantly picked up his sword. We fought, slashing skin against skin. There were blood all over the place- his and mine. Because of my previous wounds, I didn�t saw him. He could have killed me, but he didn�t. He used the butt of his sword and knocked me down on the floor. My blood was pooling underneath me. I lay down on the floor, my energy depleting. �I can�t die here� I won�t die.�, I swore. A new surge of strength and determination made me stand. It was hard, but I made it. We fought, again, but when he aimed his sword for my head, I thrust my katana- right into his body. He dropped his sword and crumpled to the floor. I kicked his katana away. I watched him die slowly. When he motioned me to come closer, I went near him. I knelt before him and heard his confession- the confessions of a dying man. �Forgive me for all the lies you�ve seen and heard today. The real Rei was dead. He died two years ago. I heard he died protecting someone he loved. I read his diary and found your name�.and a picture of the two of you. Forgive me. �, he pleaded. I kept silent. He continued talking. �And when I die, please bury me beside my brother. And my name� my name in it should be Yukihiro Rai.�, and he closed his eyes, never to see the light, again. I stood up, and found Aya, Ken, Omi and Yohji, watching me. I started to walk towards them. But all I ever did is to take one single step. My feet gave way, and before I hit the floor, I was long unconscious. Part Nine: Epilogue �I wonder how Rei is doing?�, Ken asked, a month after the mission. It was a fine and silent day, for all their screaming fans were in school. There aren�t missions for them yet, and they were enjoying the serenity, for they knew it wasn�t permanent. �Hiromi said Rei is on the road to recovery�, Yohji replied. He left Ken, carrying a bunch of pots and settled it around the back. The soft sound of the door chimes filled the air, and three handsome young men (about Omi�s age) entered the shop. �What can we do for you?�, Ken asked, but was taken aback when he recognized the faces of their customers. Yohji came back in. He, too, was stunned. The three most famous singers and actors were in their shop! �I�ll have a dozen of red roses.�, Kawaguchi Yagami, the tallest of the three, with beautiful green eyes and the color of soft wheat for hair, spoke. �I�ll have a bunch of Lily of the Valleys�, Yohei Suzuki, with jet-black hair and corn blue eyes ordered. �And I�ll have blue roses.�, Yusume Kawaji ordered, with blonde hair and chocolate-brown eyes. Ken immediately attended to the flowers. �Are you going to get it now, or do you prefer to have it delivered?�, Ken asked. �We�ll have it delivered.�, the three said in unison. The three quickly gave Ken a card to be included in their flowers. �Where do I deliver these flowers?�, Ken asked. �Ikegami Rei.�, the three said in unison. Then, they stared at each other. �Don�t tell me you�re courting her?!�, Yagami asked. �Are you courting her too??�, Suzuki and Kawaji asked in unison. �Not you too!!� Yagami and Suzuki said out loud. The three sighed. �May the best man win!�, the three said to each other, paid Ken for the flowers, and left the shop. Yohji laughed real hard, seeing the three famous guys� reaction. �That was the best show I�ve ever seen!!!�, he guffawed. Then, he sobered up and whistled. �Whoa. Rei must be pretty popular in their school.� Ken looked offended and annoyed. �Hey! What�s the matter? Are you jealous, Ken-ken??�, Yohji teased. �Oh, get a life, Yohji!�, Ken snapped, and left for Rei�s apartment. Aya and Omi entered the shop, the former was in the back cleaning things up, and the latter just came back from delivering flowers to Sweet Caf�. �Where is Ken-kun going?�, Omi asked. �Delivering flowers.�, Yohji said coolly. �I see. It�s too weird.�, Omi commented. �What�s weird?�, Yohji questioned. Aya just sat on a chair, listening to the two�s conversation, while at the same time ready to assist any customer who might walk in. �Flowers flocked the coffee shop, all were for Rei.� �We were almost out of flowers.�, Yohji gestured. Omi and Aya looked around. Yohji is right. Only a few were left. �That�s great!�, Omi said. �How much do we have?�, Aya asked. Yohji tinkered with the money box and said, �Hey, we have lots here! And three celebrities walked in here too! Paid forty thousand yen for the flowers, and even doubled it to have it delivered to�� He stopped talking. �They even have it delivered to who, Yohji?� Aya asked. �To Rei.� Aya and Omi looked at each other, and Omi was about to comment when Rei and Ken entered the shop together, the former is being assisted by Ken. �What are you doing here, Rei?�, Yohji asked. �You were supposed to be resting!�, Omi countered. �Her apartment is literally going to burst with flowers! She was in their hideout, resting. I met Rei a few blocks, and since I was going to her place, I offered her a ride. When we reached her apartment, boxes and boxes of flowers were everywhere!� Ken answered for Rei. �I need to get rid of those flowers.�, Rei said calmly. The five of them started to think, until Omi has an idea. �Let�s donate it to the churches and orphanage!�, he said excitedly. The five quickly gathered their things, and rode the van. They stopped at Rei�s apartment and found it bulging literally-with flowers. �Let�s get to work!�, Aya said. They decorated the chapels of the churches and orphanages, much to the priests� and nuns� amazement. �What�s the occasion?�, a little girl asked. �A thank you tribute for saving Rei-chan�s life�, Omi said, smiling. It was already dark when the five of them returned to the flower shop. Ken and Omi helped Rei get settled in the sofa. �I�m starving.�, Omi whined. �Why don�t we go out and get something to eat?�, Yohji asked. �Nah, too late for that. Besides, Rei is too tired to go. We�re all exhausted.�, Ken answered. �Why don�t we fix something to eat?�, Yohji suggested. �Sandwiches?�, Ken asked. �Oh no, not your sandwiches!� Yohji complained. �Why not?�, Ken asked. �It doesn�t taste so good. Only Aya can tolerate your sandwiches!�, Yohji exclaimed. Aya and Ken looked offended. �Why don�t we have the food delivered?�, Omi suggested to ease the forming tension. Rei sat there, watching the four. Oh, great. I had no choice but to call Hiromi and ask her to prepare a large batch of sushi. She quickly dialed their caf�s number. �Hello?�, Rei began talking, and the four turned their heads to see her on her cell phone, managing to catch some of the one-sided conversation. �Oh, yeah. Bring it here. 30 minutes. Good for five hungry people. Yeah, thanks.� �What did you do, Rei?�, Omi asked. �Ordered food.� Omi relaxed, and the three older guys stopped bickering. Omi left the den and returned with a pack of canned sodas. He passed it around, and the four gratefully accepted the sodas. They patiently waited for thirty minutes in silence. BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP! �The alarm!!� They quickly gathered to see who the intruder was, and was relieved to see Hiromi. Yohji quickly went to fetch her. �Thank goodness the food is here.�, Yohji said while helping Hiromi carry the food inside. �Where�s Rei?�, Hiromi asked. She spotted Rei seated between Omi and Aya in the sofa. Omi gave his seat to Hiromi and sat near Yohji. Ken sat on a chair. Rei tore the wrappings and began to eat. The four guys did the same. Hiromi found this a good time to start narrating what happened that day on the coffee shop. �You really have a lot of admirers, Rei. Lots of flowers are flocking the coffee shop, mostly from your rich and famous classmates!� �What?!!�, Rei exclaimed, choking on a sushi. Ken rushes her glass of water and she gratefully drank it. �Yep.� Rei�s eyebrows arched. �They just won�t give up.�, she said through gritted teeth. �Who are they? I mean, who are Rei�s classmates?�, Omi asked curiously. �Models, actors and rich guys. Kawaguchi Yagami, Suzuki Yohei, and Yusume Kawaji.�, Hiromi beamed. The guys (except Aya) looked surprised. �They shouldn�t have bothered.�, Rei muttered while eating another sushi. �You sure are weird! Why don�t you just enjoy their affections?�, Hiromi asked in a teasing tone. �I don�t have time for sissies!�, Rei retorted hotly. �Hey, calm down, Rei-chan. It isn�t good for you to get mad and all.�, Omi advice, seeing her wince when her back ached. �Whatever you say..�, Rei mumbled, then continued eating sushi. �Hey, that is the first time a guy told her what to do and she actually followed it!�, Hiromi exclaimed. Ken gave her a pleading look, and Hiromi quickly changed the subject. �Are you well enough to go to school next week?� �I�ll live. Besides, if I don�t show up at school, flowers will flood my apartment!�, Rei said, shuddering at the thought. Ken and the others laughed, relaxing. ~Owari~ Memories from the Past I am Ikegami Maya. I am seventeen years old. I am an assassin. I was taught and trained to be a cold-hearted killer since I can remember. Two years ago, as I was walking home, I ran across a guy. He was bleeding. Since I was the only one around, I decided to help. A chance to do something good, I told myself. After that, we became friends. He�s two years my senior, and his name is Yukihiro Rei. He has a very beautiful smile, kind blue eyes and his hair is red. I�ve never been happier since then. And I was on a vacation then, for there are no missions. I usually got bored before, but when I�m with him, I forgot what I really am. I couldn�t wish for more. But the mission came. I was to kill a politician. I was about to leave when Hiromi asked me where I was going. I told her I�m going to say goodbye to someone. As I was approaching his apartment, I felt that it was the end of my life. I can�t and I don�t deserve to be with him. I�m an assassin! A cold-blooded murderer!! These words kept echoing in my mind. I was just about to knock on his door when I felt I don�t have the strength to see him. I turned my back and was going away when the door opened. �You�re leaving.� �I came here to say good bye� �Why? Don�t you want to be with me? Don�t you like me?� I sighed. He grew quiet. I turned around and saw his eyes full of pain. �Before you came, I was about to look for you, but I don�t know where you lived. I was about to say goodbye to you too.� He laughed, but his laughter was dry. �Before you go, why don�t we have a goodbye party to each other?� And he opened his door widely, motioning me to come in. I went in, and he closed the door. �Sumimasen.� �I�m sorry too. Sorry to have said such horrible things to you.� As a silent battle was happening inside me, wondering if I had to tell him all about me, he spoke. �I�ve never been happier all my life. It�s because you�re here with me. But you know, I don�t deserve to be happy. Not one bit. After all those things I did.� I looked at him, puzzled. He quickly mustered his courage and began to tell me everything about himself. �I am an assassin. I am licensed to kill. I kill people for money. I don�t know what will become of me tomorrow, but I want to be with you for the last time.� And after that, he embraced me. I hugged him back, and I don�t know for how long. He was the one who broke the embrace. We ate and drank, like there will be no tomorrow. When I looked at the time, I knew I had to leave. I had to do my mission. He looked at the time too. �I had to go, Rei.� �I know. I had to go too.� We left his apartment together. We were about to part ways when he held me back. �Wait, I�� I looked at him, and he smiled. He was suddenly behind me, and I didn�t realize he was right in front of me again until he spoke. �Please wear that. May it always keep you safe.� I felt my neck and fingered a necklace with a cross for a pendant. I turned the cross around and saw his name carved in it. Rei I looked at him and he smiled sheepishly. I don�t know what came over me, but I found myself giving him a kiss on his cheek. �Thank you. I will never forget you and what you�ve done for me.� I smiled at him. He was stunned at first, then blushed furiously. And then, I left him. I went back to our hideout, and I saw that Hiromi was waiting for me. She was about to scold me but I quickly went to gather my things up and prepared myself for my mission. After that, I went away to the place. The place is abandoned when I got there, but when I heard sounds coming my way, I quickly hid myself. I saw the target, and with him are a couple of bodyguards. Then, they went inside the building. I began neutralizing the guards as quietly as I can. Nobody seems to have noticed what I was up to. Until there are no more bodyguards left outside. I went inside, my weapons concealed inside my trench coat. I began to knock the guards down, again, but this time, I wasn�t as lucky as I was then. �An intruder!!� And they began to shoot me down. That left me no choice but to shed blood. I eradicated them, one by one. The target seemed to have sensed something is going on. He quickly tried to escape, and with him are four of his bodyguards- the four lucky ones who were lucky enough to get away from me. But not for long. I was successful at killing his three bodyguards one by one. One more to go, and he�s dead. I saw his last bodyguard and killed him. �Say your prayers, scumbag!� I was to strike him dead with my katana when someone hurled arrows aimed at my heart. I quickly dodge, and was lucky enough just to have a cut on my left shoulder. �You won�t kill me that easily. I�ve been up for business since you�re in your diapers!�, the scumbag taunted. A shadow advanced near him. �Are you hurt, Mr. Kuruda?� That voice! I knew that voice! �Finish that filthy thing, Yukihiro.� And that�s when it hit me. He bowed as my target left, sneering. Then he faced me. I knew it wasn�t that dark so he saw my face. I knew he was surprised as I was. �Maya�� �I wasn�t here for you, Rei. I have to finish my mission. Let me pass. � He smiled, but this time, his smile didn�t reach his eyes. �I know I owe you my life, but I had my job too. I had to protect him with my life. You will have to fight me before you get him.� That�s when I knew I had no choice. We fought, and I knew it was really hard for him to hurt me, but he has no choice. We had no choice but to kill each other. I managed to disarm him of his weapon. �Forgive me. I really have to do this.�, I said, hitting him at the back of his head. He slumped and lost consciousness. I left him and quickly set out to look for my target, and spotted him talking to his back-up guards. I hastily put out of sight. Damn! More dogs to guard their master! Then my target went inside his car and left the place. I quickly ran to the back of the building and powered my motorcycle to life. I quickly gave chase, and I was gaining on him when another motorcycle tracked me. I recognized my pursuer. He just wouldn�t give up. We were approaching the country, and I saw that it was in my advantage. I got hold of my gun, and shot the tire. BANG! The wheel of the car exploded. The driver and the target had no choice but to flee on foot. I lunged my motorcycle right for Mr. Kuruda, to finish him off, but Rei blocked me. BANG! BANG! BANG! The next thing I knew, he was lying on the road, motionless and bleeding. I turned to the direction of the gunshots and saw my target, a gun on his hand. He was cursing. �Stupid Yukihiro! He shouldn�t have done that! I should�ve killed that thing by now!� I saw red. I don�t know what happened next, but when I found myself, I killed him. I hurriedly went to Rei�s side, nudging him awake. �Rei, talk to me, please!� He slowly opened his eyes. �Are you all right, Maya? You�re bleeding.�, his eyes on my left shoulder. �Don�t mind it. I�m going to take you to a hospital.� I tried to help him up but found it impossible. �No, don�t. I wouldn�t last that long anyway.� �Don�t say that!� �I�m just telling the truth.� I don�t want to believe him, but he�s right. He�s losing so much blood I was having trouble trying to stop it. �Why? Why did you do it?� �Do what?�, he asked. �Why do you have to save my life?� �I knew I had to do it. I want you to be safe. I�m sorry if I hurt you, and now you�re bleeding.� Tears started to fall. I felt my face. They were wet with my tears. �I told you it�s nothing. You don�t have to worry about it.�, I said softly. He smiled, and I smiled back at him. �I�m afraid I won�t see that smile of yours again.�, he said softly. He touched my face and tried to dry my tears, but all he did was put blood on it. I held his hand, and then kissed it. �Look. I�m wearing the necklace. Thank you, Rei.� He smiled. Then his smile faded, and he closed his eyes. He�s dead. Gone forever. And I�ll never see his smile again. I told Hiromi I wouldn�t last in Nagasaki for long. I knew she would understand. Luckily, we were reassigned. I left Nagasaki for Tokyo. I changed my name, so I won�t forget the one who saved my life. I am Ikegami Rei. The red-head who�ll kill just to see her loved ones smile once again. Part One: The Present A few nights ago, after I finished my mission, I was jumping from one rooftop to the other, anxious to get home, when I heard noises. I decided to go and investigate. It was then that I saw a guy. He seems to be in trouble. I quickly hid myself, ready to help when the need arises. He seemed capable of defending himself. He had a bugnuk on, I noticed. Then, it hit me. He�s an assassin! He quickly disposed of his opponents. Then, a moment later, three more guys showed up. Since I was used to the shadows, I can easily study their profiles. I started looking at the one I saw earlier. He looks like an athlete, the other looks so innocent. I began to study the two taller guys. The one in the trenchcoat looks very serious. And when I looked at the last one, I told myself he�s an odd-kind-of-guy. He�s wearing dark glasses in the night. The guy in the trenchcoat seems uneasy, and I know that he senses me. I quickly went away. ***** I was on my way to school when I ran across a flower shop, full of giggling girls my age. I went past it, thinking that if I don�t hurry, I�ll be late for school. I tried to get away from the place when I bumped into someone. My things flew in other directions , luckily caught my laptop before it crashes down on the hard pavement. �Sumimasen!�, I cried, then began to gather my things. I knew all eyes were on me, but I don�t care. Hiromi will have a fit if I don�t show up on school on time. I�d probably had my ass kicked if I don�t move faster. As I was picking up the last of my things, a hand beat me to it. �Here, let me give you a hand.� I looked up and saw a pair of sparkling green eyes, looking at me gently. It�s him! It�s the guy I saw the other night! I quickly mumbled a faint thank you, then hurriedly gather up my things. Then I ran away. �Matte!! You forgot something!�, he yelled, but I was too far to go back, and honestly, I don�t care. I have no plans of running at them again. ***** Fate, apparently, did not approve of how I was used to handling things my own way. It must be her own doing why I kept crossing paths with the guys. I was walking home, deep in thought that I didn�t realize that I was walking towards the direction of the flower shop. I just realized that I was in front of it when I saw the sign. Koneko no Sumu Ie A florist came out, tidying things up. When he saw me, he smiled, then stuck his head inside the door and yelled. �Ken-kun! Come here, quick!� �What�s the matter, Omi?�, a blonde guy asked. �Oh, Yohji-kun! I wasn�t asking for you!�, the guy called Omi said, exasperated. The one called Yohji saw me, and he quickly approached me. The others just looked on. �Hi there! Is there anything I can do for you?�, he asked in a suave voice that would usually make girls swoon, but not me. �No thanks..�, I said coldly. I was starting to walk away again when Omi spoke. �I remember now! Ken-kun bumped into you this morning!� It made me stop dead on my tracks. A red-head stared at me, and I returned his cold gaze. Then, the owner of those beautiful green eyes offered me his apologies. �Sumimasen for the incident this morning.� I ignored him. �Let me pass. You�re in my way.� But he didn�t take offense in my cold reply. Instead, he said, �Please do come in, and have a cup of tea. I�ll be back shortly to get your book.� I looked at him, and saw in his eyes the sincerity. They ushered me inside, though I am a little reluctant on waiting for someone. �Please hurry, Ken-kun! It�s not nice to keep people waiting!�, Omi said, handing me a cup of tea. �What is your name?�, the guy called Yohji asked me. I ignored him completely. The boy called Omi made the introductions. �I�m Omi. The quiet one is Aya-kun.� �The clumsy one who bumped into you this morning is Ken, and the most handsome, that�s me---�, the blonde guy butted in, and was about to say his name when Omi cuts back in. �He�s Yohji-kun� Yohji grimaced, and was about to chastise Omi but he changed his mind when he caught me watching him. �What is your name?�, Omi asked gently. I sipped from the teacup before I spoke, and found the tea remarkably delicious. �Rei� From the corner of my eye, the guy called Aya was tending some of the flowers. But I knew better. I knew he was studying me. Great. Why do they have to scrutinize me like I an alien or I have a disease or something? Now I know how a fish feels when humans stared at them in their aquariums. Ken returned, and handed me a book. �I presumed that book is yours�, he said, smiling sheepishly. He looked cute when he smiles that way. That�s what I thought, but never voiced it loud. I looked at the book in my hand and saw Hiromi�s name on it. How on earth did Hiromi�s book mingled with my things? Oh, I remember now. She asked me to bring it, probably for night-reading. I quickly prepared myself to leave. I stood and thanked Ken. �Won�t you finish your tea first before you leave?�, Omi asked politely. �I have to go. I have many things to do.�, I said, turning my back on them. But before I left the store, I brought myself to say these words: �The tea is terrific. I hope I could have one with you again. See you.� I left the store, feeling much better than before. I�ve never felt this way for two long years. Part Two: The Awakening A week passed, and it�s Hiromi�s birthday. Our friends cooked a party for her, and they want me to buy her flowers. �Buy her a dozen of peach-colored roses! She really loves those!�, Ayami told me. I just kept quiet and pretended I heard nothing. She kept on bugging me until I gave her my �Shut Up or You�ll be Sorry Look�. That�s when she quit pestering me. She sighed and said, �Oh, for the last time. Give her anything, Rei.� I went out of Sweet Caf� (our coffee shop), dazed. How long was it? Ah, it�s two years ago since I did something good for a person. And now I found myself, clutching the necklace that hung on my neck and walking towards the direction of the flower shop. When I got there, it was crowded with screaming girls, all were OBVIOUSLY trying to get the four bishounen�s attention. Omi and Ken looked harassed by girls, and Yohji seems to enjoy the situation. Aya, however, kept telling the girls that if they won�t buy, they�ll have to leave, much to Yohji�s annoyance. I begin to think that he and I had a lot of similarities when it comes to personality. At first, I was a little amused at the scene. But as I stand there, watching, I felt I�m beginning to get irritated at every passing second. The girls� high-pitched voices and giggling makes me want to kill them all. I couldn�t stand it any longer. The faster I get those roses, the sooner I�ll leave the accursed place, the better. �Excuse me.� People�s heads turned, and they saw me. They began whispering to one another, probably wondering who the hell am I and from where I was. Ken approached me. �What can we do for you?�, Ken asked solicitously. �A dozen of those peach-colored roses will do.� Omi went to entertain the other customers, and Ken attended to the roses I ordered. He was still busy preparing the roses when Yohji asked me. �How old are you, Rei?� �Why do you want to know?�, I asked back through gritted teeth. �I was about to ask you for a date, and I don�t want to be accused of being a pedophile or something, you know.� My eyebrows arched. Ken snorted. Ken then handed me the flowers, and I paid for them. I was leaving the place when I heard my name called. I looked around and found Ayami, panting. �Oh good! You bought her flowers!�, she gushed, then she noticed Yohji. �Yohji-kun! How are you? Hi, Ken-kun!�, she said, waving at Ken. Ken waved back. �I�m fine!�, Yohji answered. �Can you go out with me tonight? We were going to have a party, and I thought you guys should be there.�, Ayami invited. I�m getting real mad. �Oh, I don�t go out with minors. Go ask Omi.� Ken approached us and listened to the conversation. �Well, there will be many beautiful ladies going to our party, especially the birthday girl. Anyway, I really think you guys ought to be there!�, Ayami said. �Count me in! But first, tell me, how old is Rei?� �She�s seventeen.� Yohji looked at me and asked, �Is she telling the truth that you�re only seventeen?� �Are you insulting me?� I gave him an �I�m Getting Pissed and I�m going to Kill you� Look. Yohji became panicky. Ken whispered to him, �Does she remind you of someone we know?� And they turned their head towards Aya�s direction. Then they nodded. I quickly ignored them and went away, fuming with anger. ***** We held the party in the coffee shop (where I and Hiromi were owners). Because of Hiromi�s insistence, we closed for the day, just to celebrate her birthday. �Is the cake ready?� The people fussed about this and that. I can�t stand it. I went outside to calm myself before I go berserk. �Rei!� I looked behind me and saw Ken. He approached me and asked, �Where are you going?� I kept silent and continued walking. �You couldn�t stand the pressure inside, I think.� I looked at him, and he laughed. �I know. I saw you a while ago. I thought you were going to explode in there. And I knew it would be a big disaster.� I wanted to give him a smile, but I had a reputation to protect. I kept a solemn fa�ade. He, however, doesn�t seem to mind. He just walked with me. I couldn�t stand it a little longer. I stopped walking. He stopped too. �What do you want of me?� He smiled, his eyes sparkling. �I wanted to see you smile.� I kept quiet, then went on. I wanted to leave him, I wanted to shout at him, to tell him that the very person, the only reason for me to smile, was dead. I glanced at my watch and saw that�s its getting late, so we head back to the coffee shop. ***** When we got there, Ayami quickly approached us. �Where have you been? Oh never mind! As long as you keep Ken and the others company, we�ll be doing just fine.� Then she left. The way she�s acting lately makes me want to gag her, tie her up and threw her into the ocean. �Calm down, Rei.� I looked at the direction of the voice and saw Yohji, Omi and Aya approaching us. �Where is the birthday girl?�, Yohji asked excitedly. I turned my head and looked at the pale blonde lady, who stands at about 5 feet and eight inches. Yohji followed my gaze and went to approach the lady. The four of us sweatdropped, embarrassed at the way Yohji is acting. �This is a neat place. Who owns this place?�, Omi asked. �Oh, this is Hiromi�s place. Rei works here too.�, Ayami answered suddenly. She left quickly, tending to the other guests. The people working for the coffee shop didn�t know that I am the co-owner. �How much do you earn here?�, Aya asked suddenly. �Not much. Just enough to tie the tide.�, I answered back. �Oh.� Ken cuts in. �Enough with the figures. We can always talk about that but for now, why don�t we try to loosen up?� Omi brightens. �Yeah, Ken-kun!� And the two hurriedly went to a couple of vacant tables and sat down. Aya and I followed them. After all, it is my job to keep them company. Then I saw Yohji slowly approaching us. Omi quickly saw Yohji�s downcast face. �What�s the matter, Yohji-kun?�, Omi asked curiously. �Probably turned down again.�, Ken said, with the emphasis on the last word. �Shut up.� The two were about to exchange hot and angry words when Aya butted in. �Enough!� The two stopped bickering at once. �That was quite effective, Aya-kun. How did you manage to pacify those two? I do hope you can teach me that.�, Hiromi said. I was surprised to hear Hiromi�s voice that I gave her a baffled look. �Don�t look at me like that, Rei. After all, it is my birthday. And don�t worry, I don�t have any plans on using that on you!�, and she laughed while walking away from us. The three guys laughed. �Quit it.�, Aya said. The three stopped laughing. �Thanks.�, I murmured. Aya nodded. And the party went well. We were all having a great time. Yohji, Ken and Omi were having the time of their life. But I was just contented looking at them having fun. I could see myself, two years ago� �Rei.� I looked at Aya. �What?� �Nothing.� I don�t know what happened, but some scenes were entering my mind. It was like I�m watching a movie or something, but I felt that this is very REAL. Maybe I�m beginning to get crazy or just a little paranoid or something, but it keeps on rolling. Pictures and faces. Then, I recognized who are involved in the scenes. In it was the guy who sat next to me, with flaming red hair and blue eyes, just like me. He was calling a girl, a girl named Aya. And Aya was calling him too. RAN. That�s what she called him. Then, I saw things that were far too horrible. And his memories flooded my memory banks that I feel horrified and dizzy. I didn�t realize I was in a trance until I felt a pair of strong hands shaking me. �Rei!� It was then that I saw Aya. He was about to slap me when I stopped his hand. �I�m okay. Arigato.� I stood, excused myself, and went to the ladies� room. What the hell is happening to me? ****** A week has passed, and I still couldn�t shake the feeling away. The feeling, the power. The feeling that I could mess with other people�s minds, see their joy, witness their pain and feel their burning hatred. �Hey!� I jolted. �Huh?� It was then that I was forced back to reality. I momentarily forgot I was working in the counter. �Rei, I think you better go home. It seems to me that you�re not feeling well. You look pale.� �I�m all right, Hiromi. I just lack sleep. I think I�m insomniac� Hiromi smirked, then said, �Yeah, right. Tell that to Ayami, she might buy that. You can�t fool me. Go home. Get some rest.� I reluctantly took off my apron, and told her that I�m going for a walk, maybe fresh air would do me a bit good. She seemed eager to see me off, asleep in my apartment or taking a rest. She gave me the day off. I thought this blessing or curse or whatsoever was gone a long time ago. I was busy walking in the park, mulling things over, when someone shouted, �Miss, look out for that ball!!!� Luckily, my reflexes were fast enough I was able to avoid the ball, and kick it back with equal force. I was trying to regain some composure when I saw a guy approaching. �Rei?� �Ken-� He quickly apologized. �I�m sorry about the ball.� �Don�t mind it. I wasn�t hurt anyway.� He smiled weakly. �No trouble at all so don�t be too hard on yourself.�, I assured him. He relaxed. �You were great! I mean, at kicking the ball-� I felt slightly embarrassed. Suddenly, my foot swayed. I felt a little dizzy that if it isn�t for Ken, I would�ve fallen. �Hey, are you all right, Rei? You really look a little pale.� I tried to answer him but the vast darkness surrounded me. Part Three: Voices < Rei, wake up. Open your eyes and look at me. > No. I�m perfectly all right in here. Thanks anyway. < No. You don�t understand. You have to open your eyes NOW. > I slowly opened my eyes. And then I saw him. That flashing red hair, kind blue eyes, and the smile that can melt even the ice princess� heart. Rei? I couldn�t believe it. He�s here, alive! But he was supposed to be dead. I caused it. And I couldn�t control myself anymore. I tried to reach him, but he held back. He smiled. I feel nostalgic whenever I saw his disarming smile. How I wish he�s still here. Unable to stand the distance, I ran toward him and embraced him. < Enjoying my little show? > I looked at him and was shocked to see his face changing into someone else�s. His hair, which was red and short, became orange and long. I stared at his face. And then, when he saw my dazed look, he laughed. Maniacal laughter filled my ears. Blood all over my body rushed to my head in anger. That seems to pull me back to reality, gave me back my sanity. Who the hell are you?? He smirked. And then, the light began to fill my head. And I felt his presence left. I jolted out of bed and found four faces watching at me, concern mirrored in their eyes. �Finally, you�re awake, Rei!�, Omi said. I felt myself, and found out I�m lying in a soft bed. �Where am I?� �You�re in Ken�s room.�, Aya answered. �I thought you�re just imitating the sleeping beauty and that you need a prince�s kiss to wake up. I was about to give you that kiss if it isn�t for Ken-- *Mmmppfff* Ken covered Yohji�s mouth, the former blushing profusely. I ignored Yohji�s comment, and asked Aya. �You�ve been asleep for three days.�, Aya remarked. �Oh.� �And we were so worried. Ken-kun here is getting nervous.�, Omi said mischievously. Ken turned redder, and I felt my cheeks burn. Yohji and Omi looked at each other. Then, they looked at Ken, who was red as an apple, then returned their gaze at me. They smiled. Oh great. They�re teasing me. Silence was so thick you could carve your name on it. Omi, unable to stand it, broke the silence. �You were so pale, and very feverish. Then�� �Then WHAT?� Yohji and Ken looked at the floor, and Aya just shook his head when I looked at them. I gazed back at Omi. �What was it?�, I demanded. �Well, you see, we were wondering if you are calling yourself or are you calling another person who has the same name as you were?.�, Omi asked, a little puzzled. I didn�t realize that my facial expression changed. And then I said nothing. �You know what, Omi, you should learn how to keep your mouth shut sometimes.�, Yohji chastised. �Sumimasen Rei-chan.�, Omi said. �Arigato for taking care of me.�, I said, getting out of bed. �Wait, Rei-chan! You should take it easy!�, Omi cried. It seems like he�s right. I felt that my world spin, again. �Whoa.�, Yohji said, catching me before I fall. �Thanks, Yohji-kun.�, I said. They assisted me, and helped me get settled in Ken�s bed. Then Omi, Ken and Yohji left the room, telling us they�re going out to buy breakfast. Aya and I were alone. I decided to tell him what really happened. �Aya, there is something you should know.� �What is it?� �I think I knew your past. I think I knew your memories.� �What do you mean?�, he asked sharply. And I told him what I knew. When I�m through talking, I realized that he was just looking at me, debating whether to believe me or not. �You don�t believe me, don�t you?� He just looked away. �Okay. I understand. You want me to prove it to you?� He looked surprised. �What did I say?�, I asked, my eyebrows arched. �How did you know what I was thinking?� I ignored his question, and said out loud, �I think you three should come in here. It�s not nice, eavesdropping on other people�s conversations.� The door opened, and the three guys entered, smiling sheepishly. Aya looked alarmed. �See?� �Okay, I believe you.�, he grumbled. �Uh, why don�t we have breakfast?�, Yohji offered to ease the tension between me and Aya. He passed the doughnuts around. I took a frosted one and began to work on it. The four guys did the same. �Coffee, Rei-chan?�, Omi asked solicitously. �Can I have a hot chocolate instead?�, I asked politely. Ken took the thermos bottle and prepared the drink, much to the three guys� amusement. �Here you go.�, he said, handing me the drink. I took it and thanked him. �Hmm� I think I smell something.�, Yohji teased. Ken blushed. �Why, Ken-kun! You�re blushing!!�. Omi exclaimed. �Oohh� Ken-ken�s blushing! I wonder why?�, Yohji teased. �Don�t call me KEN-KEN!!!�, Ken snapped. Aya and I just ignored the three�s tirade, polishing off the doughnuts. I decided to play a trick on the three and hid three doughnuts. By the time Ken and Yohji stopped bickering (thanks to Omi�s effort), they were dismayed to find the doughnuts gone. �Oh, there�s nothing left.�, Omi said sadly. Yohji and Ken looked sorry. I had an urge to laugh, but I stopped myself. I looked at Aya and I think he shared the same sentiment as I have. I quickly shove the three doughnuts I hid to them. The three were grateful, and finished their doughnuts, while I was working on my chocolate drink. After we finished breakfast, I asked Ken to help me go back to my apartment. He gladly assisted me. Part Four: Encounter with Schwartz When we reached my apartment, I thanked Ken for his help. I invited him to go inside, but he declined, saying he had to help open the flower shop. After checking if I�m feeling all right, he left. When I got to my room, I quickly showered and dressed. Then, I went to the city cemetery and looked somberly at the sepulcher. Yukihiro Rei I spent a few hours there, and I knew someone was watching. Hours passed and they were still watching me. I couldn�t stand it any longer. I left the cemetery and went to a vacant lot. �Would you guys just show up and stop watching me?!� A guy in a white business suit showed up in front of me. A guy with an eye patch showed up in my rear. A boy, a few years younger than me, showed up in my left. And the guy with orange hair showed up in my right. �You?!�, I said, anger detected in my voice. �There, there. I know you�re a little mad at me for messing up your head.� �Quit teasing her, Schuldig.�, the man in the business suit said. �You were such a pain, Brad.�, Schuldig said. �Can I kill her now?�, the guy with an eye patch asked, licking his knife. �No. It isn�t necessary, Farfarello.� �Who the hell are you guys?�, I demanded. But the guy called Brad ignored me. �What do you think, Nagi?�, he asked the youngest of them. �She has the powers that we have, Brad. She has the ability to fight and block her thoughts.� �So that explains why I can�t mess up her mind now. Interesting.�, Schuldich said. �I see.�, Brad said. He snapped his fingers, and I found myself surrounded by thugs. Great. They�re here to finish me off. �Let�s go�, the guy called Brad said, and the four of them left me. But their friends didn�t. Luckily, I had some shuriken stashed in my suit. Part Five: The Mission Briefing A week after I knocked the thugs out, PERMANENTLY, I have all the information I could gather about those four guys. Schwartz. Someday, I�m going to get you, even out the odds. I was walking home, the incident still fresh in my mind, when� *Beep* *Beep* *Beep* A mission call! I quickly ran towards the direction of our hideout, and found Hiromi waiting for me. I was about to ask her what the call was about when I found out she wasn�t alone. Beside her was a woman with a red hair in a really sexy outfit, and there was another, standing beside the computer. �Who are these people?� �I know you�ll ask, but let them tell you who they are and what their business is.�, Hiromi said, smiling. �I didn�t know you wouldn�t recognize me.�, the woman with red hair said. �Manx!� Manx smiled, and continued speaking. �My companion is Birman, a kritiker, like Hiromi. We were sent here for your cooperation.� I gave them a questioning look. �Well, you see, we were alarmed when we were informed that a group from Estet contacted you.�, Birman explained. �We know a lot from that group. That group is one of the most brutal killers, toying and torturing people is their hobby.�, Manx related. �You mean Schwartz?�, I blurted out. �So, it is true. Can we have the information?�, Birman asked. I handed the documents and the floppy disk to her. �Where did you get the information?�, I asked, but deep in the pit of my stomach, I knew I�ve been spied on. Birman and Manx looked at each other, and avoided my question. Darn. They really spied on me. �Okay. Is that all you wanted of me? �, I asked, ready to leave if there aren�t any mission stored for me. Birman, Manx and Hiromi smiled. �No. You�ve got a mission.�, Hiromi said, smiling. Finally, I�ve got something to do. �Give it to me and I�ll go.� �No, not here. You�re going with Weiss.� �What? How��, I asked, unbelieving. Manx and Birman�s smile widened. �You do know about Weiss, don�t you?�, Birman asked. �She only knew the missions they�ve accomplished, but I wouldn�t tell her who the members are.�, Hiromi said, laughing. I gave her my �Okay-laugh-at-me-again-and-you�ll-be-sorry� look. But it didn�t stop her from babbling her head off. �Why wouldn�t you tell her?�, Manx asked. �She�d kill them all if she did.�, Hiromi said suddenly, her face serious. �Why?�, Birman asked. �I don�t want someone to do my job. But that was before. I�ll let them live�, I assured them. Manx and Birman breathed and relaxed. Hiromi laughed. �But we didn�t know who you really are, Rei. We couldn�t see your files.�, Birman said. �I had them erased. Only a few knew my real identity.� �Wise move.�, Manx muttered. �Are we just going to talk here?�, I asked. Birman smiled. �We�ll go to their hideout.� ***** A few minutes later, I found myself standing outside a familiar building. �Why are we here?�, Hiromi asked. Manx and Birman only smiled. The door opened, and a figure came out. �Manx!!�, Yohji gasped. Hiromi and I were stunned. Birman and Manx�s smile widened. Yohji looks puzzled, but he opened the door widely and we all went in. �What are they doing here?�, he asked. Great. Don�t tell me he�s a Weiss member. I decided to have a little peek at his mind and my greatest fear was confirmed. He really is one of the Weiss. Darn. Manx and Birman led us to a den, (with Yohji behind us, pouting), where we found two figures sitting in a sofa and a third in front of a computer. �What are they doing here?�, Aya asked when he saw Hiromi and I. �I think you owe us an explanation.�, Yohji said. �She�s here to help you on your mission.�, Manx said. �Her?�, Yohji said, his tone a little higher. I really would love to hit his face. I gave him a cold stare. �We have here, a kritiker, like us. I think you already met agent Ikusawa Hiromi.�, Manx started. The four nodded. �She was covering the area of Nagasaki and the neighboring towns, until she was reassigned here, in Tokyo. Apparently, she was given special missions, one which do not require too many people.�, Birman explained. �What about her?�, Aya asked, pertaining to me. I glared at Aya, and he glowered at me too. �Don�t tell me you haven�t heard of our very first agent?� �Is she the first agent? I thought Omi was the first recruit?�, Ken asked. �Come to think of it, I thought so too.�, Omi said thoughtfully. �She�s been with us before Weiss was even formed, even before Omi was recruited.�, Manx explained. �I know you ran into her a couple of times, but to make a formal introduction�� �She�s Ikegami Rei, seventeen years old. Born on Nigatsu Futsuka. Her blood type is A, height is 162.56 cm and weight is 46.26 kilograms�, Yohji butted in. �Where did you get that information, Yohji-kun?�, Omi asked, eyes opened wide. �I got it from her classmate who has a tremendous crush on her!�, Yohji beamed. �Before I was rudely interrupted by Yohji, her codename is Fallen Angel�, Manx said, a hint of amusement in her voice. �Fallen Angel?�, Omi asked excitedly. �What are you so excited about?�, Yohji asked. �Well, Yohji-kun, Fallen Angel has done a lot of difficult missions before, much difficult than ours. But she was hurt that�s why she was reassigned, although I didn�t thought she�d be reassigned here.�, Omi explained to Yohji, in a tone of a teacher scolding a five-year-old. �We know who they are, but why are they here?� Ken asked impatiently. Manx played the tape to answer Ken�s question. �Weiss, you have to cooperate with Ikegami Rei, code name Fallen Angel. You have a mission and that mission is to put a stop to Kuruda Ishima�s demonic plans. He is using kids and teenagers as his business. He kidnaps them and sells them to maniacs and pedophiles across the globe. Weiss, hunt the future of this beast and put a stop to his evil deeds!� And the tape ended. �Why is she going with us?�. Yohji whined. �Kuruda�, I said, my voice full of venom. I�ll get you. Kuruda Ishima is the twin brother of the Kuruda I killed two years ago. Ken�s eyes darted to me, a little worried. �Ikimasu!�, Omi said. Part Six: The Abduction I quickly showered and dressed when I got out of bed the next day. Omi and I would be the bait, and the rest of the guys would wait. I went to the flower shop and found them waiting for me. Omi and Ken stood there, gawking, when they saw me. Yohji whistled. Aya looked formal, as usual. �My, how nice you look, Rei!�, Yohji remarked. I was wearing a sleeveless blouse and a miniskirt. I felt my cheeks burn. Ken and Omi found themselves, and they greeted me. Then, Omi approached me. �Ikimasu!� ***** We went to the mall, (posing as baits) watching the activities of the people while enjoying ourselves. To kill time, I decided to buy another outfit. When I emerged from the dressing room, Omi couldn�t tear his gaze away from me. �You look so pretty, Rei-chan!� I felt my face redden with embarrassment. We quickly paid for what we bought, then agreed to see each other again that night, in the targeted place. When we were leaving, I went inside Omi�s head. Omi. < Who are you? > It�s me, Rei. We�re being followed. No, don�t look. They thought we�re perfect for their next batch of customers. They were planning to abduct us later, when we see each other again. Apparently, they overheard our conversation. < I see. Shall we go and tell the guys to get ready? > Tell them to get ready on their positions. ***** We met again, but this time, we went to a club. Yohji, Ken and Aya went along, but they kept their distance. �Yohji seems to be having much fun than those two.�, I said, while Omi and I were dancing. Omi looked at Yohji, then laughed. �He really likes to be mobbed by women.�, he confessed. I felt my eyebrow arched. �I see.� We danced for an hour, then signaled the three that we�re going out. �DON�T MOVE!�, a man said, a gun aimed at us, just as Omi and I stepped outside. �Omi--� They hit us, and I pretended to be knocked unconscious. They bound me up, and they really bound me up tight that my hands and my feet hurt. Then I felt I was being carried inside a van or a trailer. They tossed me in and I heard them shut the door. I opened my eyes and whispered. �Omi, where are you?� �Here.�, he whispered back. When my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw that we aren�t alone. There were teenagers and kids around us. Some were too scared to scream, and the others just sob. I tried to calm the one nearest to me. I think Omi is trying to do the same. �What is your name?.�, I asked, talking to a little girl, aged 8 or 9. �Kamiya Karin.�, she said between sobs. �I�m Ikegami Rei. You can call me big sister if you like.�, I told her softly. The little girl stopped crying, and her clear, blue eyes looked at me. �You can trust me, Karin. I�ll try to help you get out of here.� �Promise?� I nodded, then added. �I never backed out on a promise.� Her face lit up, then tried to untie me. Her friends saw what she was doing, and they helped. They were untying Omi too. �Don�t try anything funny, or they�ll kill us. No exception. We saw how they killed one of our friends.�, a girl my age warned. I looked at Omi, then said nothing. The door suddenly opened, and we were temporarily blinded. �Come out, now! Don�t try anything stupid!�, a big man barked. Omi, Karin and I followed. The big man looked at me, then smiled maliciously. �Got a beautiful body there, lady.�, he said while the three of us walked past him. I have to calm myself, for the other kids� sake. Fortunately, I succeeded. We were ushered inside a big mansion in the heart of a forest, and were greeted by a bunch of guards lined up in the hallway. Omi, we�re going to have a little problem. Omi looked at me. He answered me back by thinking. He was having a hang of it, talking to me inside his head. I nodded, then told him, I�ll be the diversion. You get these kids out of here. I had a promise. No Buts, Omi. If anything happens, you can come back for me. I can take care of myself. I won�t die here. He looked at me, protest seen in his eyes. I gave him a cold stare, and he gave in. I knew he was worried, but I have to do something. The big man is pushing me, and he is telling us to hurry. I looked around, and saw we were fast approaching the last guard. I kicked the last guard on the hallway, then hit the big man. Then, I run out of the house, the guards following me. I neutralized them one by one, but when I was about to do the last guard, a man shot me with a tranquilizer gun. I tried to fight, but the tranquilizer was far too much. I lost consciousness. When I came around, I was tied up in a dungeon. I was chained, and my arms were the only one supporting my weight. My feet were clad in chains, big balls of iron on the ends of it. A man entered, and I realized it was our target. �Good. You�re finally awake. I could do the honor of giving you pain when you�re awake.� And he lashed my back with a whip. It hurts, and I tried not to wince. He smirked. He lashed me again, savoring the pain and anger he saw in my eyes. �That�s what happened to people who messes up with ME.�, he said. Blood was pooling underneath me. He seems to be enjoying seeing my blood, for he unsheathed his katana� �and slashed my back�twice. �Now, isn�t it good when you have an x mark on your back??�, he said, then laughed maniacally. He left. �Where are they?� I quietly asked myself when I found him gone. Then I drifted back to unconsciousness. Part Seven: The Act �Omi! Where is Rei?�, Ken asked after they helped the kids and the other teenagers got home. �We have to help her! She�s still there. She told me she�ll follow us.� They entered the mansion cautiously. They quietly watched and listened, alert should someone come to their hiding place. They quickly neutralized the surrounding guards, and began to move their way down to the dungeons. When they heard noises coming their way, they quickly hid themselves. �Be sure to keep an eye on that girl. If she�s dead, threw her body on the cliff.� The footsteps died away, and the four hurriedly began to look for Rei. They entered a room, and the four were shocked to see Rei�s forlorn form. �Damn! I�m going to get those guys!�, Yohji cursed as he carried Rei�s unconscious body. The four quickly went away from that place. ***** I began to see a light, but all were a blur. �Thank goodness the bleeding stopped.�, a worried voice said. A cool hand brushed my forehead and exclaimed, �Her fever is gone. She�s out of danger now.� Then, my sight began to clear. I tried to stand, but a hand stopped me. �Don�t move much, Rei.� I recognized the voice, and started to protest. �Ken, the mission---� Aya spoke, �The target escaped. Don�t worry, we still have time.� Part Eight: Mission Accomplished Three days passed, and we finally located Kuruda�s whereabouts. My wounds still hurt, but they aren�t bleeding anymore. I am still sore all over, but I insisted on coming. �I still can�t believe you have to go with us!�, Yohji hissed. �If you don�t keep your mouth shut, Yohji, I swear you�ll be dead in a second.�, I warned. Luckily, he did shut up. I�m having a hard time controlling myself, itching to spill Kuruda�s blood. We moved on, and found our target in an old basement. There were hundreds of steel cages, and they were full of teenagers, some of them younger than I and Omi. And Kuruda wasn�t alone. With him is- �No!�, I hissed. �What�s the matter, Rei?�, Ken whispered. �Shh!�, Yohji said. We listened to the conversation. �Yukihiro, do you have any news on the girl?�, Kuruda asked. The guy Kuruda called has red, long hair, great blue eyes, answered, �No. I still haven�t heard anything. She must be dead. But I can�t believe she bought our little play two years ago!� Then, the two laughed in unison. I managed to get a hold of myself before we got caught. Kuruda and Yukihiro left. �Was what that all about?�, Omi said when the two left the room. My face is red with anger, and I didn�t utter a word. �Free the kids, Aya and I will go after them.�, I said, then quickly chased the target and the guy called Yukihiro. �Matte!�, Ken cried, but I�ve already gone. I was too blind with anger I didn�t realize I�ve been followed. I found out that it was only Aya that was behind me. �You get the guy, I�ll get the target. This way!�, Aya ordered, and I followed his lead. �I�ll get my revenge.�, I muttered. We went to a room, and saw a scene far too horrible to describe. Two guys were kissing..!! �Yukihiro, die!!!!!!�, I screamed, my katana aimed right at his head, but he caught the blade of my katana. �Kuruda, Run!!!!�, he barked. Aya chased after him. Yukihiro and I were alone. It was just me and my past. Me and Yukihiro. �It�s about time we settle an old score, Yukihiro Rei.�, I said coldly. �Ikegami Maya, it�s nice to see you, although this isn�t what I had in mind.� �You lied to me. I shouldn�t have trusted you. �, I said, my voice full of venom. �Not all of them are lies. I did wanted to have a normal life with you but I�� �I don�t want to hear any of your lies anymore. Fight!�, I said, tossing a sword at his feet. �I don�t want to fight.� �Then I�ll just have to kill you defenseless.� He reluctantly picked up his sword. We fought, slashing skin against skin. There were blood all over the place- his and mine. Because of my previous wounds, I didn�t saw him. He could have killed me, but he didn�t. He used the butt of his sword and knocked me down on the floor. My blood was pooling underneath me. I lay down on the floor, my energy depleting. �I can�t die here� I won�t die.�, I swore. A new surge of strength and determination made me stand. It was hard, but I made it. We fought, again, but when he aimed his sword for my head, I thrust my katana- right into his body. He dropped his sword and crumpled to the floor. I kicked his katana away. I watched him die slowly. When he motioned me to come closer, I went near him. I knelt before him and heard his confession- the confessions of a dying man. �Forgive me for all the lies you�ve seen and heard today. The real Rei was dead. He died two years ago. I heard he died protecting someone he loved. I read his diary and found your name�.and a picture of the two of you. Forgive me. �, he pleaded. I kept silent. He continued talking. �And when I die, please bury me beside my brother. And my name� my name in it should be Yukihiro Rai.�, and he closed his eyes, never to see the light, again. I stood up, and found Aya, Ken, Omi and Yohji, watching me. I started to walk towards them. But all I ever did is to take one single step. My feet gave way, and before I hit the floor, I was long unconscious. Part Nine: Epilogue �I wonder how Rei is doing?�, Ken asked, a month after the mission. It was a fine and silent day, for all their screaming fans were in school. There aren�t missions for them yet, and they were enjoying the serenity, for they knew it wasn�t permanent. �Hiromi said Rei is on the road to recovery�, Yohji replied. He left Ken, carrying a bunch of pots and settled it around the back. The soft sound of the door chimes filled the air, and three handsome young men (about Omi�s age) entered the shop. �What can we do for you?�, Ken asked, but was taken aback when he recognized the faces of their customers. Yohji came back in. He, too, was stunned. The three most famous singers and actors were in their shop! �I�ll have a dozen of red roses.�, Kawaguchi Yagami, the tallest of the three, with beautiful green eyes and the color of soft wheat for hair, spoke. �I�ll have a bunch of Lily of the Valleys�, Yohei Suzuki, with jet-black hair and corn blue eyes ordered. �And I�ll have blue roses.�, Yusume Kawaji ordered, with blonde hair and chocolate-brown eyes. Ken immediately attended to the flowers. �Are you going to get it now, or do you prefer to have it delivered?�, Ken asked. �We�ll have it delivered.�, the three said in unison. The three quickly gave Ken a card to be included in their flowers. �Where do I deliver these flowers?�, Ken asked. �Ikegami Rei.�, the three said in unison. Then, they stared at each other. �Don�t tell me you�re courting her?!�, Yagami asked. �Are you courting her too??�, Suzuki and Kawaji asked in unison. �Not you too!!� Yagami and Suzuki said out loud. The three sighed. �May the best man win!�, the three said to each other, paid Ken for the flowers, and left the shop. Yohji laughed real hard, seeing the three famous guys� reaction. �That was the best show I�ve ever seen!!!�, he guffawed. Then, he sobered up and whistled. �Whoa. Rei must be pretty popular in their school.� Ken looked offended and annoyed. �Hey! What�s the matter? Are you jealous, Ken-ken??�, Yohji teased. �Oh, get a life, Yohji!�, Ken snapped, and left for Rei�s apartment. Aya and Omi entered the shop, the former was in the back cleaning things up, and the latter just came back from delivering flowers to Sweet Caf�. �Where is Ken-kun going?�, Omi asked. �Delivering flowers.�, Yohji said coolly. �I see. It�s too weird.�, Omi commented. �What�s weird?�, Yohji questioned. Aya just sat on a chair, listening to the two�s conversation, while at the same time ready to assist any customer who might walk in. �Flowers flocked the coffee shop, all were for Rei.� �We were almost out of flowers.�, Yohji gestured. Omi and Aya looked around. Yohji is right. Only a few were left. �That�s great!�, Omi said. �How much do we have?�, Aya asked. Yohji tinkered with the money box and said, �Hey, we have lots here! And three celebrities walked in here too! Paid forty thousand yen for the flowers, and even doubled it to have it delivered to�� He stopped talking. �They even have it delivered to who, Yohji?� Aya asked. �To Rei.� Aya and Omi looked at each other, and Omi was about to comment when Rei and Ken entered the shop together, the former is being assisted by Ken. �What are you doing here, Rei?�, Yohji asked. �You were supposed to be resting!�, Omi countered. �Her apartment is literally going to burst with flowers! She was in their hideout, resting. I met Rei a few blocks, and since I was going to her place, I offered her a ride. When we reached her apartment, boxes and boxes of flowers were everywhere!� Ken answered for Rei. �I need to get rid of those flowers.�, Rei said calmly. The five of them started to think, until Omi has an idea. �Let�s donate it to the churches and orphanage!�, he said excitedly. The five quickly gathered their things, and rode the van. They stopped at Rei�s apartment and found it bulging literally-with flowers. �Let�s get to work!�, Aya said. They decorated the chapels of the churches and orphanages, much to the priests� and nuns� amazement. �What�s the occasion?�, a little girl asked. �A thank you tribute for saving Rei-chan�s life�, Omi said, smiling. It was already dark when the five of them returned to the flower shop. Ken and Omi helped Rei get settled in the sofa. �I�m starving.�, Omi whined. �Why don�t we go out and get something to eat?�, Yohji asked. �Nah, too late for that. Besides, Rei is too tired to go. We�re all exhausted.�, Ken answered. �Why don�t we fix something to eat?�, Yohji suggested. �Sandwiches?�, Ken asked. �Oh no, not your sandwiches!� Yohji complained. �Why not?�, Ken asked.

�It doesn�t taste so good. Only Aya can tolerate your sandwiches!�,
Yohji exclaimed.
Aya and Ken looked offended.

�Why don�t we have the food delivered?�, Omi suggested to ease the
forming tension.

Rei sat there, watching the four.

Oh, great. I had no choice but to call Hiromi and ask her to prepare a
large batch of sushi.

She quickly dialed their caf�s number.

�Hello?�, Rei began talking, and the four turned their heads to see her
on her cell phone, managing to catch some of the one-sided conversation.

�Oh, yeah. Bring it here. 30 minutes. Good for five hungry people. Yeah,
thanks.�

�What did you do, Rei?�, Omi asked.

�Ordered food.�

Omi relaxed, and the three older guys stopped bickering. Omi left the
den and returned with a pack of canned sodas. He passed it around, and the
four gratefully accepted the sodas. They patiently waited for thirty minutes
in silence.

BEEP BEEP! BEEP BEEP!

�The alarm!!�

They quickly gathered to see who the intruder was, and was relieved to
see Hiromi. Yohji quickly went to fetch her.

�Thank goodness the food is here.�, Yohji said while helping Hiromi
carry the food inside.

�Where�s Rei?�, Hiromi asked.

She spotted Rei seated between Omi and Aya in the sofa. Omi gave his
seat to Hiromi and sat near Yohji. Ken sat on a chair. Rei tore the
wrappings and began to eat. The four guys did the same. Hiromi found this a
good time to start narrating what happened that day on the coffee shop.

�You really have a lot of admirers, Rei. Lots of flowers are flocking
the coffee shop, mostly from your rich and famous classmates!�

�What?!!�, Rei exclaimed, choking on a sushi. Ken rushes her glass of
water and she gratefully drank it.

�Yep.�

Rei�s eyebrows arched.

�They just won�t give up.�, she said through gritted teeth.

�Who are they? I mean, who are Rei�s classmates?�, Omi asked curiously.

�Models, actors and rich guys. Kawaguchi Yagami, Suzuki Yohei, and
Yusume Kawaji.�, Hiromi beamed.

The guys (except Aya) looked surprised.

�They shouldn�t have bothered.�, Rei muttered while eating another
sushi.

�You sure are weird! Why don�t you just enjoy their affections?�, Hiromi
asked in a teasing tone.

�I don�t have time for sissies!�, Rei retorted hotly.

�Hey, calm down, Rei-chan. It isn�t good for you to get mad and all.�,
Omi advice, seeing her wince when her back ached.

�Whatever you say..�, Rei mumbled, then continued eating sushi.

�Hey, that is the first time a guy told her what to do and she actually
followed it!�, Hiromi exclaimed.

Ken gave her a pleading look, and Hiromi quickly changed the subject.

�Are you well enough to go to school next week?�

�I�ll live. Besides, if I don�t show up at school, flowers will flood my
apartment!�, Rei said, shuddering at the thought.

Ken and the others laughed, relaxing.

~Owari~